Certificate IV in Cyber Security

Overview

Learn to protect data and reduce threats with the Certificate IV in Cyber Security. With the rise of cloud and wireless networks, there’s an increased need for professionals who can monitor our connected world. This course teaches you the skills to minimise network vulnerabilities, protect an organisation from security breaches, and monitor the risk of cyber attacks.

Get a copy of our course guide

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

Are you in high school?

Back by popular demand: A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student. See what uni is really like with hands-on workshops, presentations and more across different study areas.

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Skills you’ll learn

Securing PC and mobile devices
Python scripting
Firewall installation, configuration and management
Use of a SIEM (Splunk)
Build cloud based environments
Implementing network security infrastructure

Your career opportunities

Cyber Security Support Officer
Support Technician
Cyber Security Tester
Cyber Security Analyst

Further education

Key codes

Hawthorn VTAC code

3400211404

International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Location options

Hawthorn

Admissions

All applicants are required to have successfully completed Australian Year 11 or equivalent.

It is recommended applicants to this course have already completed IT based study that will provide fundamental knowledge in networking concepts:

Certificate III in Information Technology^*
A VETDSS program in Information, Digital Media and Technology
VCE units in Information, Digital Media and Technology, Units 1-4
Some experience in the ICT industry

*Completion of Certificate III in Information Technology (ICT30120) is a requirement to study Certificate IV in Cyber Security under the Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Book your Pearson Test of English

Credit transfer

Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.

Learn more about credit

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.

RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.

Learn more about RPL

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Certificate IV in Information Technology (Gaming Development)

Discover more (Certificate IV in Information Technology (Gaming Development))
Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Networking, Cyber Security)

Discover more (Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Networking, Cyber Security))

Course structure

Students must complete 16 units, 8 core and 8 elective.

Core units

Elective units

Certificate IV

Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours: 970

Your units

Certificate IV in Cyber Security

Units of study	Unit code
Core units
Analyse and present research information Core unit	BSBINS401
Contribute effectively to WHS communication and consultation processes Core unit	BSBWHS309
Work collaboratively in the ICT industry Core unit	ICTICT443
Utilise basic network concepts and protocols required in cyber security Core unit	VU23213
Test concepts and procedures for cyber security Core unit	VU23215
Recognise the need for cyber security in an organisation Core unit	VU23217
Develop and carry out a cyber security industry project Core unit	VU23220
Apply cyber security legislation, privacy and ethical practices Core unit	VU23223
Elective units
Install and manage servers Elective unit	ICTNWK422
Manage network security Elective unit	ICTNWK546
Automate processes Elective unit	ICTPRG434
Write scripts for software applications Elective unit	ICTPRG435
Monitor and administer security of ICT systems Elective unit	ICTSAS440
Configure and secure networked end points Elective unit	VU23214
Implement network security infrastructure for an organisation Elective unit	VU23218
Manage the security infrastructure for an organisation Elective unit	VU23219

2025 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$12,380

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$5,620

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

2025 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

Fees are estimates only

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Skills first government-subsidised place

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.

Learn more about Skills first government subsidies

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

Find out more about fees

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

log in to My Financials
check your Australian bank account details are correct
check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
pay using your preferred payment method.

Learn more about paying your fees

Concessions rates for vocational students

If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.

Learn more about concession rates

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

Learn more about scholarships

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Learn more about scholarships

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents

22603VIC

Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Course code

22603VIC

Apply directly

Apply through VTAC

International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

Hawthorn VTAC code

3400211404

Apply through VTAC

Start dates

Location

Last date to apply

Start dates

August intake

Hawthorn

30-July-2025

04-August-2025

February intake

Hawthorn

28-January-2026

02-February-2026

Start dates

Location

Start dates

August intake

Hawthorn

04-August-2025

February intake

Hawthorn

02-February-2026

Upcoming events

A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student | Creative

08-April-2025

A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student | STEM, Aviation & Health

09-April-2025

A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student | Social Impact and Innovation

10-April-2025

Overview

Entry requirements

Study structure

Fees & Scholarships

How to apply

Overview

Are you in high school?

Skills you’ll learn

Your career opportunities

Further education

Key codes

International student visa

Location options

Admission requirements

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

Certificate IV in Cyber Security

Fees are estimates only

Fees are estimates only